Xavier Music Series offers Music Outside the Bachs

January 10, 2013

The Xavier Music Series presents four concerts to brighten the winter doldrums. Tickets are available at www.xavier.edu/musicseries. Prices range from $15-$30 and all concerts are held in Xavier University’s Gallagher Student Center Theatre.

Jan. 27 at 2:30 p.m. Daniel Bolshoy with Angela Young-Smucker
Bolshoy is head of the guitar division at the University of British Columbia School of Music and head of the guitar department at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music. Young-Smucker’s performances in oratorio, concert, and stage works have taken her throughout the United States and Europe. She and Bolshoy premiered Duo Encanto this year.

Jan. 20 at 3:00 p.m. Faux-Frenchmen Gypsy Jazz Quartet
This Cincinnati- based quartet (two guitars, bass and violin) offers some sensational interpretations of the legendary Hot Club of France material from pre-war Paris. This is no sedate string quartet as this group swings like mad. The Frenchmen have achieved the highest national ranking in their “Gypsy Jazz” genre.

Feb. 10 at 2:30 p.m. Dror Biran
Dror Biran is an Israeli pianist. He is a graduate from the University of Tel Aviv's Rubin Music Academy and the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he earned his doctorate.

Feb. 17 at 2:30 p.m. David Russell
Classical guitarist David Russell is world renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry, having earned the highest praise from audiences and critics alike.

Xavier’s classical piano series began in 1976 with six classical pianists and a budget of $3,000. Since then, the program has grown to feature 20 artists a year and expanded to include classical guitarists. A jazz program was added in 1980. Over the years, Fr. John Heim has had the opportunity to showcase both established musicians and young, up-and-coming artists in the series. Heim says having young talent is part of what the program is about. “It helps them get a reputation and maybe a good review in the newspaper,” he says. “That then helps them get on the concert stage. That’s what universities are for. Musicians have to prove themselves solo in recitals before they’re a featured performer with a group in a concert.”